Description
Craving a hearty, nostalgic dish? This Old School Spaghetti with Ground Beef brings back the classic comfort food vibes! Packed with rich tomato flavor, savory herbs, and tender ground beef, it’s the perfect weeknight dinner that hits the spot every time.
Ingredients
- 1 pound ground beef
- 1 small onion, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 (28 oz) can crushed tomatoes
- 1 (15 oz) can tomato sauce
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon dried basil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt (adjust to taste)
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional, to balance acidity)
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional, for a kick)
- 12 ounces spaghetti noodles
- Grated Parmesan cheese, for garnish
- Fresh parsley, chopped (optional)
Instructions
Cook the Pasta:
Bring a large pot of salted water to a boil. Cook the spaghetti according to package directions until al dente. Drain and set aside.Brown the Beef:
In a large skillet or saucepan, heat olive oil over medium heat. Add chopped onions and cook for 3-4 minutes until translucent. Add garlic and sauté for another minute.Add the Meat:
Add ground beef to the skillet. Break it up with a spoon and cook until browned and no longer pink. Drain excess fat if needed.Build the Sauce:
Stir in the crushed tomatoes, tomato sauce, and tomato paste. Mix well. Add oregano, basil, salt, pepper, sugar (if using), and red pepper flakes.Simmer:
Reduce heat to low. Cover and let the sauce simmer for 15-20 minutes, stirring occasionally to blend the flavors.Combine:
Toss the cooked spaghetti with the meat sauce or serve the sauce on top of the noodles.Garnish and Serve:
Sprinkle with Parmesan cheese and fresh parsley. Serve hot and enjoy!
Notes
- Feel free to swap ground beef with ground turkey or sausage for a twist.
- Add a splash of red wine or beef broth to deepen the flavor.
- For a gluten-free version, use gluten-free spaghetti.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Italian-American